A toothache can keep a child up at night and away from school. Healthy Smiles Ontario is a government-funded program that gives free dental care to children and youth 17 and under from low-income households.
At Friendship House in Brantford, we see how hard parents work to stretch every dollar. We do not run this program, but this guide explains who qualifies, what it covers and how to sign up.
Quick answer
What is Healthy Smiles Ontario?
It is a free dental program for children and youth 17 and under from low-income households in Ontario. It covers check-ups, cleanings, fillings, x-rays, scaling, extractions and urgent or emergency care. Children are enrolled automatically if their family receives Ontario Works or ODSP; other families can apply online or by mail.
Who qualifies
According to Ontario.ca’s dental care page (opens in a new tab), a child can qualify if they:
- are 17 years old or younger
- live in Ontario
- come from a household within the program’s income limits
Income limits depend on how many children are in the family. For 2026, for example, the limit is $29,065 or lower for a household with 1 child and $33,465 or lower with 3 children. Check Ontario.ca for the full table, because the limits are updated.
Automatic enrolment
Many children do not need to apply at all. Ontario.ca says children are enrolled automatically if their family receives Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, or if the child receives Temporary Care Assistance or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities.
Ontario Works recipients living in a First Nations community are not enrolled automatically and must apply by mail. If you are not sure whether your child is enrolled, call the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-844-296-6306.
What is covered
| Service | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Check-ups and cleanings | Yes |
| Fillings | Yes |
| X-rays and scaling | Yes |
| Tooth extractions | Yes |
| Urgent or emergency dental care | Yes |
| Braces and teeth whitening | Not covered |
How to apply
- Check that your child is 17 or under and that your household is within the income limit.
- Apply online through Ontario.ca, or apply by mail.
- Keep a copy of your application.
- Wait for your child’s dental card to arrive, and bring it to every visit.
The ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-844-296-6306 (TTY 1-800-387-5559) helps with questions, account updates and replacement dental cards.
Keep your child’s coverage active
Keep your contact details up to date with ServiceOntario so letters about your child’s coverage reach you. If your income or family size changes, call the INFOline to ask whether you need to update your account.
If the dental card is lost, the INFOline can help you replace it. Keep a photo of the card on your phone in case you need the number at the dental office.
Questions to ask the dental office
- Do you accept Healthy Smiles Ontario patients?
- What should we bring to the first visit?
- Will anything in the treatment plan cost us money?
- How do we reach you if our child has tooth pain after hours?
Ask these questions when you book, so there are no surprises on the day of the visit. If anything is unclear, ask the office to explain it again; good dental offices are happy to help parents understand the plan.
Help your child feel calm at the dentist
Many children feel nervous before a dental visit. Talk about it in simple, positive words, and avoid scary stories about needles or pain.
Bring a favourite toy for young children, and praise them for being brave afterward. Book visits at a time of day when your child is usually rested and calm. Going yourself for check-ups also shows your child that the dentist is a normal part of staying healthy.
When to take your child to the dentist
Regular check-ups help catch small problems before they become painful or expensive. Ask your dental office how often your child should come in.
- Take your child in right away for tooth pain, swelling or a broken tooth.
- Book a check-up if you see dark spots, holes or bleeding gums.
- Ask about care for new teeth, and when to start brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
Teens and dental care
Teenagers often stop going to the dentist once they are busy with school, sports and work. Healthy Smiles Ontario covers youth up to 17, so it is worth booking check-ups through the teen years.
Encourage teens to wear a mouthguard for contact sports, and remind them that sugary drinks and energy drinks are hard on teeth. A check-up before they turn 18 is a good way to catch problems while they are still covered.
Healthy habits at home
- Help young children brush twice a day until they can do it well on their own.
- Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, as your dental team advises.
- Offer water between meals instead of juice or pop.
- Keep sweet snacks to mealtimes rather than all day long.
- Replace toothbrushes when the bristles get worn.
Our guide to cheap breakfast ideas (opens in a new tab) has simple, low-cost meals to start the day.
Dental emergencies
Healthy Smiles Ontario covers urgent and emergency dental care. If your child has severe tooth pain, swelling in the face or a tooth knocked out after a fall, call your dental office right away.
If your child has trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that is spreading quickly, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Help for the whole family
Healthy Smiles Ontario is for children and teens. For adults, the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan may help; see how to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (opens in a new tab). For grandparents 65 and older, see the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (opens in a new tab).
Families with children may also get the Canada Child Benefit and the Ontario Child Benefit; our guide on how to support a single parent (opens in a new tab) explains how to apply.
Free help for families in Brantford
Friendship House at 452 Grey Street serves free breakfast from 8 a.m. and a hot meal Monday to Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m., runs the Food Bank on Wednesdays (opens in a new tab) and offers children’s clothing at the Clothing Closet (opens in a new tab), Tuesday to Thursday, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Everything is free and open to everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Children and youth 17 and under who live in Ontario and come from a household within the program’s income limits.
Is my child automatically enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Children are enrolled automatically if the family receives Ontario Works or ODSP, or if the child receives Temporary Care Assistance or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities.
What does Healthy Smiles Ontario cover?
Check-ups, cleanings, fillings, x-rays, scaling, extractions and urgent or emergency care. Braces and whitening are not covered.
How do I apply for Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Apply online through Ontario.ca or by mail. For questions, call the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-844-296-6306.
Does Healthy Smiles Ontario cover braces?
No. Cosmetic dentistry, including braces and teeth whitening, is not covered.
Every child deserves a healthy, pain-free smile. Check whether your family qualifies, book that check-up, and visit our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) for help with the basics.
